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The Debate
The Debate is our home for the best opinions from around Asia. Whether it is negotiating with Iran, responding to North Korean provocations, discussing Japan's looming demographic issues, or considering the new balance of power in the Asia-Pacific, some of the region's leading thinkers offer their take.
Vladimir Putin and Chinese Public Opinion
By KAWASHIMA Shin
How accurate is Western thinking on China’s ‘closeness’ with Russia?
Southeast Asian States’ Position in Global Plastics Treaty Negotiation: A Case of Maladministration?
By Rayhan Dudayev and Fajri Fadhillah
If governments abandon their responsibility to secure their citizens' health through a strong Global Plastics Treaty, they could face legal liability.
Pakistan and the Global North’s Climate-linked Trade Policy
By Maryam Khan
With the EU and U.S. increasingly using climate targets as trade barriers, Pakistan risks being left behind in the global trend toward sustainability. But it can also be an opportunity for Pakistan to build climate resilience.
Time to Bring Kim Jong Un Before the International Criminal Court
By Lee Min-yong
Given Pyongyang’s military assistance to Russia, Ukraine now has standing to pursue an ICC case against the North Korean leader.
Beyond the Blame Game: De-risking Through Strengthened Asia-Pacific Cooperation
By Siwei Huang
Strategic competition with China is of vital national interest to the United States, and that is precisely why feedback from Asian allies and partners matters.
Rio Tinto Must Be Held Accountable For 50 Years of Injustice
By Martin Miriori
More than three decades after it ceased operations, the people of Bougainville are still grappling with the devastating impact of the Panguna Copper Mine.
Moving North Korea Beyond Deadlock at the UN
By John Sifton
With the Security Council at an impasse, the General Assembly should take actions to address the country's escalating human rights and humanitarian crisis.
1,000 Days of Girls Banned From Education in Afghanistan
By Meena Ahmadi
An underground network of informal schools, run by brave volunteers, is the only access to continued education for girls past primary school.
Why Did Modi’s Usage of Divinity as a Political Instrument Not Succeed?
By Ashutosh
Modi declared himself to be a messenger of God, and not of biological origin. The ploy did not work.
As International Justice Fails, Solidarity Must Prevail
By Dustin Barter and Leen Fouad
From Gaza to Myanmar, the current constellations of geopolitics pose one of the most significant barriers to justice.
Modi’s Re-election: A Chance to Revitalize Afghanistan-India Relations
By Sadiq Amini
These days, Afghan democrats need a champion, and India, under Modi’s leadership, could be that champion – if New Delhi can correct course on its Afghanistan policy.
Freedom of the Seas Requires US Leadership
By David F. Lasseter
U.S.-led Freedom of Navigation operations have dropped off in the South China Sea, at the same time as China has intensified its coercive actions in the region.